W.T. Payne

[pianoinfoplease]

We have an upright piano, believe to be maybe 80+ years old, it has the name/brand "WT Payne" or could be "WJ" and address 101 & 103 Approach Road, Victoria Park, London NE printed inside it, alongside a 5 digit number. Does this mean anything to anyone? We are not musicians nor have a clue about this piece, would love some information on it

Thank you

[Bill Kibby]

One that I tuned years ago appeared to be from around the 1850s, but the only reference I have ready on computer so far is...

1899 W.T. Payne, 4 The Parade, Churchfield road West, Acton W.

I'll see what else I can find. What's the 5-digit number?

[pianoinfoplease]

how bizarre, i live right by churchfield road.

The number on it is 15995

[Bill Kibby]

You can't get much more local than that! I meant to say, it was definitely William Thomas Payne, and his earlier pianos, (#13000 is perhaps around 1860) have the address yours has, but I have found no references to him as a Pianoforte Maker in London directories until 1895, the same address. By 1899, he was at Churchfield Road West, in Acton. You may find more details in local directories at your nearest library.

[pianoinfoplease]

funny coincidence!
I will take a trip to the library and see what I can find. Thank you very much for your help and info!

[Bill Kibby]

I'd be interested to know what you find.

[bonitoa]

Hi
I know this is an old post but I have a WT/J Payne upright, number 11890. Address is Victoria Park. Any info available? How did your search go? We live in North England nowadays so would find it hard to do any local searches.
Many thanks
Andy

[Bill Kibby]

We have many lists of London firms going right back to the 1700s, but no reference to Payne's earlier piano activities, and it is likely that he was originally just a dealer, selling other people's pianos with his name on them. Have a look at PianoGen.org